[Closed] Gravel riding holidays

Stop by grit cx for inspiration perhaps

Cyclist magazine did an article about a firm that does gravel trips in the alps, they did an 'alternative' route up and around Alp d'Huez. Worth a butchers (will probably be online) for ideas.

I reckon it's a viable niche, it's just an extension of guided MTB but with a slightly different emphasis. Our big annual holidays are always riding, either MTB or road, and as far as I'm concerned the main point of going on an organised trip is for supported point-to-point riding; if it's riding out of the same base I can find a hotel and some Strava/Garmin routes myself. So we've done Turkey and Morocco with Cycleactive, India with Mountainbikekerala which all did overnights in different places with vehicle support, but did Colorado and Dolomites/Alps on our own as we only stayed in 1 or 2 places and rode loops.

So hilly/mountainous and supported point-to-point for me.

We had a thought about this last year, which would be good, except I don't really like people... But then I could drive the van and not speak to anyone.

I reckon you may be on a winner. I'd never be interested in an mtb one because that generally revolves around derring do.

People who ride their bikes to get places will be interested, and maybe if you can provide an eBike or two, then non-cycling spouses might come too.

You'll need to go to interesting places though.

There's probably a market for it, afterall there's a market for roadies both racing and sportive riders hollidays.

And those of a racey disposition probably have CX bikes gathering dust for 9 months of the year.

Would I go on one, no. I'd rather just creditcard tour, cheaper and I like solitude.

Unlike MTB though fire roads and trails are easy to find. So you need more of a USP than just guiding (point to point, maybe more upmarket hotels and restaurants than the usual).

What epicyclo said. So many mountain bike holidays focus on the enduro gnarr. It's pretty hard to find anyone offering what I'd call old school xc riding in a great place.

All of the organised road bike holidays I've been on have been a point to point (A to B) format rather than base location and circular routes. Iconic routes and ride is a good start....

Not for me. there might be a market for it but Its a subset of a subset.

I'd do a trip but it would need to be somewhere where mtb or road wasn't a better option. In the alps I'd much rather ride on the road or mtb, gravel has no unique appeal. I'd feel I was doing a gravel ride for the sake of it rather than because it was the best choice.

However, go somewhere where the roads a bit rubbish but you still want a decent distance done each day then it does appeal.

Thanks for all the comments. I'm researching 'interesting places' and 'iconic rides'...

TNR

Torino-Nice Rally

I've been considering doing some of the higher passes in the Alps, which are only accessible via gravel roads. It's all just an idea at this stage but may come to fruition.

see http://www.dangerousroads.org/rankings23/3039-highest-roads-in-europe.html

There are a few of us that do long distance CXer rides, I do.

I tend to organise this stuff myself, at one point I may have joined in on event like yours but now probably not.

Things I've learned:
Places to stay, you'll need secure indoors places to lock bikes up and have access to. I've been lucky in that every place I've stayed it's the first thing I've mentioned before a bed for the night. Most have been very accommodating, a few have said "yeah in the shed" and I've always turned down these purely on the fact sheds aren't always secure. Hotels have large basements usually and if you get the right attitude from the facilities manager they normally help you out when they know the cost of the bike and how far/where you are going.

Food, not normally an issue because I tend to eat before than after the ride. But lunch stops can be lengthy affairs, so I avoid them.. depends on group size and attitude obvz.

Groups, mixed abilities. If, like me, you hack at it fast then the last in the group will be a long way behind. This could cause issues with being left behind and if you intend to coral the group the fast lads will not be happy.

Bag drops, organise them properly. Ferry to-from locations when you say you will and don't deviate. Last thing I want to hear on arrival is "sorry bags not here, should be about another hour" I will get pissed off, this is one of the main reasons I don't ride in groups.

Spares, many and varied. Too many different types of equipment to manage. Leave the spares with riders and some might be ok, some might want you to organise support. If you support rides then you'll be chasing your own tails around "what tyres to stock, mechs, shifters, clips even" nightmare.

Best of luck.

Unlike MTB though fire roads and trails are easy to find. So you need more of a USP than just guiding (point to point, maybe more upmarket hotels and restaurants than the usual).

This. I wouldn't be marketing it as "gravel riding", either - more of off road touring. In Spain there's the Camino de Santiago (which is a bit of a crowded market) but also the network of "Vías Pecuarias" and "Vías Verdes" which are usually fairly simple XC routes.

http://www.andalucia.com/rural/walking/viaspecuaria.htm (they're all over Spain, not just in the South. Part of the Camino de Santiago that runs through Madrid uses them, for example.

http://www.viasverdes.com/

I reckon you may be on a winner. I'd never be interested in an mtb one because that generally revolves around derring do.

People who ride their bikes to get places will be interested, and maybe if you can provide an eBike or two, then non-cycling spouses might come too.

You'll need to go to interesting places though.

+1

I also think visiting some 'alternative' places in Europe / Eastern Europe, with some nice accommodation lined up, saving those hours and hours online seeking OK places to stay.

I think the growth of the grey pound will also offer real opportunity here - aiming holidays at older folk, still a challenge and exciting, but with electric bike options, ability to catch the wagon on an off day, nice food and accommodation aimed at them, possibly even solo-traveler tours for older folk...

I also wonder about doing sections of the EuroVelo routes, supported..

Yes, i'd definitely go for something like that.
I've been looking for such a holiday for quite a while, and the options are either gnarrtastic on [i]most[/i] MTB holidays, or tiny daily distances that i'd knock off in 2-3hrs on more touring oriented holidays.

A single base suits something a bit more relaxed.
An early season training camp maybe, predominantly flat routes but with access to a couple of decent climbs.
Very good hotel required for this with good wifi, pool and bar.

For a point to point trip, something a bit hillier. At least 5hrs riding a day for an above average rider.

In both cases food is important. Good breakfast and dinner included in cost, and a couple of nice options for people to stop and choose their own lunch.

I think the growth of the grey pound will also offer real opportunity here - aiming holidays at older folk, still a challenge and exciting, but with electric bike options, ability to catch the wagon on an off day, nice food and accommodation aimed at them, possibly even solo-traveler tours for older folk...

Good call, I could see something like this appealing to my dad and his mates (mid 60s) their "Lad's holidays" seem to have been semi-tours of various European countries in recent years, sometimes with bikes and /or trains involving "POI stops" ranging from nice vinyards to Auschwits.

Either from a Base or point to point would suit, pace would be slower and you'd maybe have to plot routes to accommodate creaking joints, but older groups would be mellower and more interested in the scenery/destinations than another bunch of 30-40 something sportivists looking for a different sort of race...